Outrage intensifies as reported migrants are arrested, released in NYPD attack
NEW YORK - Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg initially stayed silent Friday when questioned by reporters on why a total of five suspects were released without bail after an attack on two NYPD officers by a group of migrant men last weekend.
Four of the suspects have reportedly fled the state, drawing increasing outrage about the incident.
"Despite the fact that they have allegedly fled to Florida, the long arm of the law will find these individuals, they will be arrested," said New York Attorney General Letitia James.
"Any time there's an assault on a police officer, which is a very serious offense, it is bail eligible and bail should be sought," said Governor Kathy Hochul. "Meaning right now, they should be sitting in Rikers."
Later in the day, Bragg spoke at a news conference where he said that he had no proof that four of the migrants had fled the state, but that the matter is under further investigation.
"We do not tolerate people assaulting police officers, but in a court of law, our profound obligation is to make sure we have the right people charged with the right crimes," Bragg said.
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Outrage after NYPD officers attacked near Times Square; 5 arrested
Outrage is growing after two NYPD officers were beaten while attempting to break up a crowd of men outside of a migrant shelter in Midtown Manhattan.
Police say as many as fourteen people could've been involved in the attack last Saturday.
So far, seven of the alleged attackers have been arrested and charged with assaulting an office, but only one is being held on Rikers Island. The others were released without bail.